Crossroads Of America: Indianapolis Highlights

Designated the "Crossroads of America," this spot on the map marks the warm heart of the Midwest and the home of Hoosier hospitality. With a vibe that combines both Middle-America values with cosmopolitan sophistication, Indianapolis is full of surprises for any of the five million visitors who drop by each year. Here, then, is an informal guide for any would-be tourist whose knowledge of Indianapolis doesn’t go much further than the Indy 500.

INDY ATTRACTIONS. A good starting point for exploring Indianapolis is the Indianapolis City Center. Located in Pan American Plaza, across the street from the RCA Dome, the City Center will help get you oriented before you set out to conquer the downtown area.

A 13-by-13-foot model of the downtown area gives tourists a "you-are-here" perspective of Indianapolis by mapping out its layout. The Ruth Lilly Auditorium provides visitors a quick overview of the city through a multimedia presentation. This area also serves as the starting point for the RCA Dome Tour Experience.

The RCA Dome and National Track & Field Hall of Fame Museum was completed in 1984. The $77.5-million stadium is home to the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts, as well as the site of major sporting events, concerts and conventions. RCA Dome tours include a high-tech, multisensory presentation and a look at the Colts’ locker room, owner’s suite, press box and stadium floor.

Also downtown is the National Art Museum of Sport. Housed in University Place Conference Center and Hotel, the museum features 1,000 paintings, prints, sculptures and photographs of more than 44 sports. Founded in 1959 by Connecticut artist-sportsman Germain G. Glidden, the museum moved to Indianapolis in 1990 after being located on the East Coast for 30 years.

Also for sports fans is the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Completed in 1909, the 2 ½-mile oval began to host automobile and motorcycle races. Since 1911 it has been the host of the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race.

Its Hall of Fame Museum has approximately 75 cars on display, representing a diverse collection of early day passenger cars, European sports cars, motorcycles and other special interest vehicles. There are also trophies, photographs, helmets and uniforms on display and a 20-minute video outlining the history of the track.

But there are far more than just sports represented by Indianapolis’ palate of attractions – for instance, the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Founded in 1883, the museum is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States. African, American, Asian and European art is part of its permanent collection.

Perhaps Indianapolis’ best-known museum is The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. It’s the world’s largest and was recently voted the top museum in the Midwest by a national public poll. Offering a hands-on experience, the museum houses 100,000 artifacts in 10 major galleries, which explore the physical and natural sciences, history, foreign cultures and the arts.

HISTORICAL INDIANAPOLIS. Indianapolis was designed by the same architects that designed Washington, D.C. Laid out on a mile-square grid, Monument Circle marks the center and start of four diagonal spoke streets. Monument Circle is the home of the Soldier and Sailors Monument. The limestone monument is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city and the only Civil War monument dedicated to the common soldier and sailor. The Colonel Eli Lilly Civil War Museum recently opened in the lower level of the monument and is worth a look.

Only a few blocks from Monument Circle is the nation’s first union railroad station, Union Station. Erected in 1888, the large brick and limestone building, has been restored. Also a short walk from Monument Circle is the Scottish Rite Cathedral. Ninety-minute tours are offered for this historical structure that was designated one of the seven most beautiful buildings in the world by the International Association of Architects shortly after its completion in 1929.

History buffs would be wise to also check out Conner Prairie, a living history museum that is also a frontier village where the past comes alive and the year is always 1836. Buildings, furnishings, costumes and even the actors’ speech is thoroughly researched and re-created. Visitors to the Prairie experience camp meetings, wedding celebrations and other authentically simulated activities.

For historically good food, an important stop is the City Market, which has been running continuously since its establishment in 1886. In an Old World atmosphere, the market’s 30 vendors offer fresh produce, meats, fish, and baked goods. Lunchtime visitors have plenty to choose from and on Fridays, they will enjoy live music by local jazz musicians.

FOOD & NIGHTLIFE. The number of downtown Indianapolis restaurants has nearly tripled in the last several years with 100 establishments in walking distance of the convention center alone.

The Cozy Restaurant and Lounge Nite Club on Pennsylvania Street is far bigger than its name suggests, offering pool tables, dance floors and live entertainment, all under one roof. In addition to the recreational thrills, you can also count on a dinner menu that offers everything from casual cuisine to fine dining.

For a high-class evening of dining, check out Dunaway’s Palazzo Ossigeno on South East Street. Housed in a historic building decorated in authentic art deco, the atmosphere comes second only to a broad menu that offers prime rib, crab cakes and an extensive wine list.

The World Mardi Gras Entertainment Complex on Maryland Street offers night life thrills for any taste within its huge structure. Catch headlining live music at the Mardi Gras Music Hall, dance clubbing with a retro vibe at Flashbaxx or 100,000 watts of light and sound energy at Gators, Indy’s largest dance club. Finally, there is Brewski’s Sport and Wing Shack, if barbecued chicken wings and international beers (with no dancing required) are more your style.

The Malibu on Maryland (Maryland Street) is a lively bistro with a live piano bar on the first level and relaxing dining on the second. Surf, turf and pasta are the specialties.

For what is widely considered the best chili in the Midwest, you would be wise to check out the Hard Times Café, also on Maryland Street. It has a "Southwestern Depression Era Chili Parlor" atmosphere, four historically correct chili recipes, along with microbrewed beers, dogs and burgers.

Finally, if you just can’t make up your mind, wander in to the Capitol Food Court (W. Market St.), where you will have your choice of seven great restaurants, from café to cafeteria to fast food.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Indianapolis is the 12th largest city in the world, according to Census Bureau estimates.
• Indianapolis is home to the largest Kiwanis club in the world.
• Indianapolis is home to the two largest single-day sporting events in the world: The Indianapolis 500 and the Brickyard 400.
• The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is the largest children’s museum in the world.
• The largest water clock in North America (26.5 feet tall, 70 gallons of water) can be found in The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.
• Indianapolis has the 16th largest African-American community in the nation and the 6th in the Midwest.
• Indianapolis has been home to David Letterman, Kurt Vonnegut, Jr., Steve McQueen and Jane Pauley.

The author is a contributing writer to Lawn & Landscape magazine.